Ventricular Septal Defect in Delayed Presentation of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Secondary to COVID-19

Pujon Purkayastha1, Muhammad J Iftikhar1, Maciej Kostrubiec1

  • 1Cardiology, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, GBR.

Cureus
|October 18, 2021
PubMed

Insights

During COVID-19 lockdowns, fear of rules delayed emergency care, leading to a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by ventricular septal defect (VSD). This highlights impacts on acute cardiac event management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated national lockdowns, impacting healthcare access.
  • Social isolation measures may deter patients with acute medical emergencies from seeking timely hospital care.

Observation:

  • A case of delayed presentation of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurred due to patient's fear of breaching COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
  • The patient presented outside the optimal treatment window for STEMI.

Findings:

  • Delayed presentation led to a STEMI complicated by a severe ventricular septal defect (VSD).
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the presentation and management of acute myocardial infarctions.

Implications:

  • Healthcare systems must address barriers to emergency care access during pandemics.
  • Timely intervention for STEMI is crucial to prevent severe complications like VSD.
  • Pandemic-related factors require consideration in the management protocols for cardiovascular emergencies.

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